YACHTING.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume VI, Issue 280, 5 December 1895, Page 5

YACHTING.

Professor Carrollo’s picnic was the chief attraction for yachtsmen this week, and nearly fifty boats of all sizes and rigs were anchored in Home Bay, Motutapu, on Saturday night. I wish some of our Southern friends could have seen them coming up on Sunday afternoon ; it would have given them a little idea of the size of our fleet. The big stretch of water between Motuhihi and North Head was alive with yachts, and formed a splendid picture. Thetis seemed to have the best of the beat home, and was sailing exceedingly well. A week next Saturday Ponsonby Regatta eventuates, and the chances of the different competitors is the leading topic at present. It is doqbtful if the 5-rater being built by Bailey Bros, will be finished in time, but T hope she will be, as a great “ go ” is expected between her and Logan Bros.’ Moana when they meet. Constance carried away her mast on Sunday afternoon when off Waiheke, and was towed home by Volunteer. This is an unlucky craft, and has gained an unenviable notoriety for breaking sticks. I would like to suggest that the Ponsonby Regatta Committee make a slight alteration in their course, making it—round Sugarworks mark, down the harbour, round a mark off the Bastion, thence round buoy in Rangitoto Channel. The only change would be the mark off the Bastion, making the course more triangular. This gives all boats a chance, for no matter what direction the breeze is from (except, perhaps, the north-west) there is bound to be a beat, run, and lead. Up to the time of writing this, no news had been received as to the whereabouts of Ngaire except that she was sheltered under East Cape for some time through bad weather. However, no anxiety need be felt on her account, as she is a good sea boat, and reefed down would go through anything. Capt. Butts, too, who is taking her down, is a very cautious navigatorcautious to a fault. Ngaire’s new owner intends racing her at Wellington, but if he takes my advice he will let racing alone. She might win a handicap race,

but if I am not mistaken Waitangi could almost give her one mile in two and beat her, especially if there was much windward work. She is a good cruiser, and will suit Wellington.